Abuja: Experts in the pipeline sector have called for the establishment of a national pipeline framework and an integrated digital command and control centre to secure Nigeria’s energy assets. They made the call at the 2025 Nigerian International Pipeline Technology and Security Conference (NIPITECS) with the theme ‘Building Robust Pipeline Systems for the Decade of Gas and Beyond’.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Adeche Omotosho-Oboro, Managing Director and Chief Executive of Umugini Pipeline Infrastructure Limited, described pipelines as the ‘arteries of the Nigerian economy.’ Omotosho-Oboro, while speaking on the topic ‘Pipeline Security and Surveillance: An Integrated Approach,’ said that the country’s energy infrastructure should be treated as a critical lifeline rather than isolated company assets.
‘Pipelines are the arteries of the economy. Just as the heart cannot function without arteries, our economy cannot thrive without an integrated and secured pipeline network,’ he stated. Omotosho-Oboro highlighted challenges such as vandalism, sabotage, theft, and environmental degradation that affect this vital infrastructure, emphasizing that these issues are not just technical faults but significant wounds to the economy, environment, and national pride, resulting in the loss of millions of dollars.
Omotosho-Oboro proposed a technology-driven solution integrating Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, satellite imaging, drones, and deep patrol systems for real-time surveillance and early threat detection. He noted that the nation’s pipeline system remained fragmented, with companies operating in silos rather than within a unified national framework, which hampers efficiency and security.
He stressed the need for collaboration among industry players, government agencies, and host communities. Omotosho-Oboro also advocated for reviewing outdated pipeline protection laws and creating incentives for local technology industries. He emphasized that securing pipelines equates to securing the nation’s economic future, urging a shift from vulnerability to resilience through innovation and collaboration.
Also speaking at the conference, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, President of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), noted that Nigeria’s ‘Decade of Gas’ initiative depended on reliable monitoring and enforcement. Abubakar, represented by Prof. Baba Jibril El-Yakubu of Ahmadu Bello University, highlighted the need to strengthen enforcement by establishing a Joint Technical Committee, conducting regular engineering audits, and implementing Pipeline Integrity Management Systems (PIMS).
In a keynote address, Dr. Ed Ubong, Coordinating Director of Nigeria’s Decade of Gas, described the initiative as a deliberate effort to turn Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves into a catalyst for industrialisation and economic diversification. Ubong explained that without adequate pipeline connectivity, gas production would remain stranded, industries would be under-supplied, and Nigeria’s ambition for energy-led industrialisation would remain unfulfilled.
Ubong highlighted ongoing efforts, mentioning the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline and other critical infrastructure projects under close monitoring. These projects aim to unlock significant gas supply potential and enhance the reliability of Nigeria’s pipeline infrastructure.